In the market-Test Driving
#1
In the market-Test Driving
Just thought I'd get some input from some A3 owners as I am in the market for a new car. I currently have an '01 A42.8QM that I do really like, but it has 65k miles and I think I'm ready for something new. I have test driven a 2006 BMW 325i, which was the prettiest car on the outside and best inside fit and finish. Next on the list was a RSX Type S which was very race-car like but not really the prestige I was looking for. Today I just got back from driving a 2006 Subaru WRX Limited which was probably the most fun car I have ever driven. It hugged the road and really had nice looks, inside and out. Tomorrow I am getting into an Acura TSX with nav and I hope that will impress me differently, but equally. After the TSX, I will go for the A3. I have driven a B7 Manual A4 2.0T and I really liked it, but it just lacked that little extra that the WRX has. I have sort of been basing my comparisons on the A4 as the A3 is very similar. Is this the right way to do things? Would a chipped A3 give me a sub- 6.0 second time from 0-60? Should I go with the WRX? I would like some input from people who have test driven similar cars to guide me on my decision.
Thanks a lot everyone.
Thanks a lot everyone.
#2
RE: In the market-Test Driving
a chipped A3 2.0T WILL put you under 6 seconds 0-60, add a CAI and exhaust will put you further below 6 seconds. i advise you to find a friend who has a chipped A3 and let you ride in it. but it depends on what you REALLY want in a car....... luxery? sport? interior? exterior? it all depends on what makes you feel happy........ WRX doesn't really give you luxery, but it gives you a lot of performance, a 325 and TSX will give you luxery, but not much performance........... RSX........ sorry, i just hate those cars......... waaaaaaaaaay too small and torque is like Shiat. A3 will give you a lil bit of everything. i'm pretty sure Chef will post his thoughts for you also within the next few days so he'll help you out. like i said...... it depends on what you want and what makes you happy and comfy.
#3
RE: In the market-Test Driving
Thanks for the reply Audinam.
I really don't look to be mod'ing my *** off with any car, so the most I would do is chip it; so, what kind of time will that give me? I know the handling between the subaru and the audi is leaps and bounds in favor of the subaru, and to be completely honest, the WRX Limited actually had really comfortable leather seats and a 7/10 fit and finish. The limited is really the only reason I am considering the Subaru; and it REALLY blew me away. I couldn't believe I was sitting in a pocket rocket. I'm not going to say I have my mind made up, but it just makes sense to me to get the WRX. I really hope the A3 blows me away with the drive in comparison to the A4. Today is the TSX in Orlando, so that will be fun, maybe I will hit Audi on the way back to Melbourne. Thanks for the input guys and sorry for the scatter-brained post.
Thanks.
I really don't look to be mod'ing my *** off with any car, so the most I would do is chip it; so, what kind of time will that give me? I know the handling between the subaru and the audi is leaps and bounds in favor of the subaru, and to be completely honest, the WRX Limited actually had really comfortable leather seats and a 7/10 fit and finish. The limited is really the only reason I am considering the Subaru; and it REALLY blew me away. I couldn't believe I was sitting in a pocket rocket. I'm not going to say I have my mind made up, but it just makes sense to me to get the WRX. I really hope the A3 blows me away with the drive in comparison to the A4. Today is the TSX in Orlando, so that will be fun, maybe I will hit Audi on the way back to Melbourne. Thanks for the input guys and sorry for the scatter-brained post.
Thanks.
#4
RE: In the market-Test Driving
Well, since Nam said that I had to post...
I will echo everything he said. The A3 has the best fit and finish of the bunch and will just get you under 6sec 0-60 with a chip. The best thing about this car with the chip isn't necessarily the drag race time, but that it has 300lbs of torque waiting for you at any speed and rpm. That is really nice when you are on the road and want to pass, or already rolling and want to go, now! I had the privilege of driving my Mom's WRX last week a few hundred miles through Vermont, New Hampshire, and Mass. Her car felt just as fast as mine, although it might actually be faster by a little, but the torque on mine is a little stronger. The car was mostly comfortable and very capable, but the build quality of the doors, the interior, everything seemed very cheap and thin. Definitely a nice car, but I liked my Sports leather seats better than hers, and everything felt much more solid and refined in the Audi. My Dad's BMW was much closer to the Audi interior build quality. That car was very nice, but then again, it is much much more expensive. I think the A3 is the best luxury, capable car for the dough.
Once again, that's just one Chef's opinion.
Good luck and Cheers!!!
I will echo everything he said. The A3 has the best fit and finish of the bunch and will just get you under 6sec 0-60 with a chip. The best thing about this car with the chip isn't necessarily the drag race time, but that it has 300lbs of torque waiting for you at any speed and rpm. That is really nice when you are on the road and want to pass, or already rolling and want to go, now! I had the privilege of driving my Mom's WRX last week a few hundred miles through Vermont, New Hampshire, and Mass. Her car felt just as fast as mine, although it might actually be faster by a little, but the torque on mine is a little stronger. The car was mostly comfortable and very capable, but the build quality of the doors, the interior, everything seemed very cheap and thin. Definitely a nice car, but I liked my Sports leather seats better than hers, and everything felt much more solid and refined in the Audi. My Dad's BMW was much closer to the Audi interior build quality. That car was very nice, but then again, it is much much more expensive. I think the A3 is the best luxury, capable car for the dough.
Once again, that's just one Chef's opinion.
Good luck and Cheers!!!
#6
RE: In the market-Test Driving
3.2? i like that it's quattro, but it's naturally asperated, hard to put on more more, but it's 7-8 grand more than the 2.0 for the same amount of power, so you're pretty much paying $8000 for quattro.
#7
RE: In the market-Test Driving
thanks for the reply...yes the quattro is the real attraction for me. I'm willing to anti up for the 2 extra cylinders, even though it's a lot of $$$. naturally aspirated is fine with me plus I have no desire to amp up the power. my summer driver is a works mini, so I get my speed jollies with that one.
#10
RE: In the market-Test Driving
A3 2.0T is the way to go.
Muphasta, do you mean the Cooper S with the JCW logo? If yes, I have raced and beaten one on the freeway, and I have DSG. In the twisties it may be a different story.
Muphasta, do you mean the Cooper S with the JCW logo? If yes, I have raced and beaten one on the freeway, and I have DSG. In the twisties it may be a different story.